Ogimi Village was a community divided when it proposed a massive land reclamation project in Shioya Bay, an effort that would create new lands for public use.

Debate raged for several years as arguments for protecting the environment by keeping the land and waters pristine came up against calls for more community facilities. The majority ultimately ruled, and the reclamation construction project began along the bay in 2003. Ogimi Villagers are beaming this week as they see the final results.

The ‘Yui no hama’, meaning joint beach, was officially dedicated after four years construction at a cost of ¥3.7 billion. Reclamation materials included soil from the Taiho Dam construction, along with nearby gravel and stones. “Today is the greatest day for Ogimi Village people,” said Mayor Yoshihisa Shimabukuro. “Today is a memorial day, and we made a big land investment for our children’s future, and for the village future.”

Yui no hama is now the site for a school, housing area, amusement park and an athletic park. Although most today cite the positive aspects of the development, and joined Okinawa Prefecture and central government leaders in the dedication ceremonies, there were still a few holdouts wishing the project had never happened.